A poll of 2,000 adults found almost eight in ten turn to their favourite meals when they need a little pick me up, with a simple and convenient pizza the top choice. The British classic of fish and chips came second followed by a bacon sandwich, a full English and burger and chips.

By James Cox

26th October 2017, 9:48 am

Updated: 26th October 2017, 9:50 am

BRITS are most likely to turn to pizza, bacon sandwiches – and eggs and soldiers when they are in need of comfort, a study has found.

A poll of 2,000 adults found almost eight in ten turn to their favourite meals when they need a little pick me up, with a simple and convenient pizza the top choice.

Feeling down came second while cold or wet weather, worries and anxiety and tiredness also sees people tucking into their favourite comfort food.

But while a staggering 94 per cent want something simple when seeking comfort from a meal, more than two thirds choose something which reminds them of their childhood.

The research, carried out on OnePoll.com also found a traditional cup of tea is still the most popular thing to turn to when you are feeling stressed, followed by listening to your favourite music and home cooked food.

Nostalgic TV, a favourite book or cooking and baking also help people to unwind.

But four in ten admit they typically find comfort and reassurance when making a trip home to see their family, with 44 per cent saying they visit loved ones at least once a week.

Around one in six also said they now visit home more often than they did in the past as they look for comfort more than ever before.

And while 46 per cent said simply catching up with their family was the best thing about visiting home, 14 per cent admit they most look forward to a home-cooked meal from their mum.

Psychotherapist, Christine Webber explains: “Simple meals which transport us back to childhood can really cheer us up, and help remind us of less complicated times.

"We are leading increasingly stressful lives, so it’s vital for us to access some comfort when we need it – and what better way to find it than by cooking and eating something simple that Mum used to make. For me, scrambled eggs on buttery toast invariably do the trick!"

Top 20 meals to turn to for comfort

Pizza

Fish and chips

Bacon sandwich

Full English breakfast

Burger & chips

Roast dinner

Beans on toast

Bangers and mash

Pasta dish

Scrambled eggs on toast

Macaroni and cheese

Shephard's/Cottage pie

Beef stew and dumplings

Dippy eggs and soldiers

Jacket potato

Ham egg and chips

Toad in the hole

Egg mayonnaise sandwich

Poached egg and avocado on toast

Curry

Top ten reasons for turning to comfort food

Feeling stressed

Feeling sad or down

When the weather is cold or rainy

Feeling worried or anxious

Tiredness

Illness

After a bad day at work

Money worries

When I’m feeling nostalgic

After an argument with my partner

MOST READ IN NEWS

INK AGAIN

Tattoo disasters that left their embarrassed owners cringing with remorse